When the Christmas season arrives in Europe, many cities come alive with wooden huts, twinkling lights, and warm cups of yuletide beverages. That’s right–it’s Christmas market time! If you want to travel to Europe to experience it this year, you’re in the right place.
We’ll guide you through the best Christmas markets in Europe and how to make the most of your trip. Let’s dive in!
12 Best Christmas Markets in Europe
There are likely hundreds of Christmas markets happening across Europe, from village fêtes to capital city gems. However, we’ve scoured for a variety of markets you won’t find anywhere else. Without further ado, here are the most popular Christmas markets in Europe (in no particular order).
Nuremberg, Germany – Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt
Best for: A traditional German Christmas market experience
Dates: November 29 – December 24, 2024
If you want to experience the OG of European Christmas markets, the Nuremberg Christmas Market is the one for you. It’s one of the world’s oldest and most famous festive markets, dating back to the 16th century. The majestic, medieval Nuremberg Castle sets the scene as the rows of ornate wooden stalls offer all the traditional holiday treats. Try the bratwurst (sausage), Glühwein (mulled wine), and Nürnberger Lebkuchen (gingerbread) for a quintessential German Christmas experience.
Prague, Czech Republic – Old Town Square Christmas Market
Best for: A fairytale Christmas
Dates: November 30, 2024 – January 6, 2025
Few European Christmas markets enchant quite like Prague’s. The twinkling lights adorning Old Town Square make the Prague Christmas Market resemble a movie scene. It’s a day market that closes at 18:30, making it great for families with young children. Enjoy the handmade wooden toys and festive Czech sweets for an authentic, magical experience.
Vienna, Austria – Rathausplatz Christmas Market
Best for: Foodies
Dates: November 15 – December 26, 2024
One of the best things about a Christmas market trip is the food. If you’re a true foodie, Vienna’s Rathausplatz Christmas Market delivers. With 99 booths set on and around Rathausplatz Square, you’ll find the most delicious display of delicacies. Beyond the traditional roasted chestnuts and mulled wine, regional favorites like Buchteln (sweet dough rolls filled with jam), Baumkuchen (log cake), and Christmas punch will have your mouth watering.
Pro tip: Plan ahead! You’ll want to eat everything you see, so decide what to prioritize in advance. Your stomach will thank you for it.
Edinburgh, Scotland – Edinburgh Christmas Market
Best for: Family-friendly activities
Dates: November 15, 2024 – January 4, 2025
The Old Town of Edinburgh transforms into a family-friendly festive wonderland every Christmas season. The Edinburgh Christmas Market brings the same vibrancy as the summer Fringe Festival, with plenty of activities for families. This year’s itinerary includes a silent disco by Edinburgh Castle, Santa’s grotto, Christmas ceilidhs, and one of the UK’s largest illuminated Christmas tree mazes. With excellent Scottish fudge, Scotch, and pies on offer, there are plenty of goodies to indulge in, too.
Strasbourg, France – Christkindelsmärik
Best for: A French-German fusion
Dates: November 27 – December 27, 2024
Strasbourg Christmas Market allows visitors to experience a dazzling blend of French and German culture. It’s the oldest market in France, with picturesque medieval architecture looming over 300 wooden chalets. We recommend trying the bredele (Alsatian cookies) and Christstolle (Christmas cake) for some unique regional festive favorites. If you want to experience the intersection of history, language, and excellent fusion food, you’re in the right place!
Berlin, Germany – Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market
Best for: Gift shopping
Dates: November 25 – December 31, 2024
If you want a German Christmas experience with a modern twist, Berlin is the city for you. The Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market caters to art and design lovers with high-quality handmade crafts and artisanal gourmet foods. Here, you can find handmade candles, Christmas decor, and one-of-a-kind gifts for your friends and family. Of course, you’ll still be able to indulge in plenty of snacks and traditional German dishes as you shop.
Salzburg, Austria – Salzburg Christkindlmarkt
Best for: Romantics and music lovers
Dates: November 21, 2024 – January 1, 2025
Salzburg Christmas Market is one for the romantics. Whether you’re romancing yourself or with someone special, the beautiful setting and serenading music make this the perfect romantic getaway. Choirs sing every Tuesday evening, and wind orchestras play every Thursday and Saturday, adding to the magical atmosphere.
London, UK – Southbank Winter Market
Best for: An alternative yet cozy Christmas
Dates: November 1 – December 26, 2024
Christmas by the River Thames is one of those quintessential London experiences everyone must try at least once. The striking Southbank Centre juxtaposed against traditional alpine-style huts gives this market a modern edge. This year’s neon lights in the building’s windows light up the market below. To embrace the alternative vibe, try the duck wraps, Dutch pancakes, and truffle burgers for a delicious Christmassy twist. And if you want a more chocolate box Christmas experience, Covent Garden is a mere 20 minute walk away.
Brussels, Belgium – Plaisirs d’Hiver
Best for: Belgian treats and unique gifts
Dates: November 15, 2024 – January 5, 2025
While the traditional German vibe of mulled wine and sausage is great, Brussels Christmas Market offers something a little different. Here, you’ll discover some of the best artisanal chocolate in the world, local craft beer, and fresh Belgian waffles with all the toppings. As you stroll along the illuminated path, craft makers showcase their handmade gifts for friends and family.
Tallinn, Estonia – Tallinn Christmas Market
Best for: Something a little different
Dates: November 22 – December 27, 2024
Few people think of Tallinn when searching for the best Christmas markets in Europe, but they really should! For off-the-beaten-path travelers, Tallinn Christmas Market offers a unique, quieter experience. Because it’s not as popular as the others we’ve mentioned on this list, fewer crowds give you the authentic Christmas market experience without bumping elbows. Try Estonian delicacies like black pudding, sour cabbage, and traditional festive drinks. The fairytale setting and intimate atmosphere make it well worth visiting.
Copenhagen, Denmark – Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market
Best for: Families with young children
Dates: November 15, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens transforms into a holiday-themed wonderland during the festive season. Expect outdoor performances, ice skating, and child-friendly rides. Your little ones will love the Santa Train, where they can meet Father Christmas and share their wish list!
Budapest, Hungary – Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market
Best for: An affordable yet magical Christmas
Dates: November 15 – December 31, 2024
Last but certainly not least is the Budapest Christmas Market. Much like Tallinn, Budapest has its own unique atmosphere that sets it apart from the typical Christmas market. However, that doesn’t make the food any less incredible or the lights any less twinkly! The affordable Hungarian street food is a highlight for visitors. Try Hungarian sausages and pickles or Hungarian-style Christmas candy (szaloncukor) for an authentic experience.
How to plan your trip to a European Christmas Market
Now you know the best Christmas markets in Europe, here’s what you should keep in mind when booking your Christmas market trip.
Choose your destination(s)
Use our roundup of the best Europe Christmas markets to decide which one matches the experience you want to have. Since many European countries are close together, you can easily hop around if you want to explore more than one market. For example, you could pop over to Austria from Germany for a more traditional yuletide experience.
Create a budget
Planning a Christmas trip to Europe is magical, but it can also quickly become overwhelming—especially when the costs start to add up. The cozy atmosphere, festive music, and charming stalls can easily tempt you to overspend, leaving you with post-holiday financial stress. To make the most of your trip without breaking the bank, it’s worth calculating a realistic budget.
First, start with the essentials:
- Flights
- Accommodation
- Transport
- Meals
But we suggest going one step further and budgeting for the market visit itself. Set aside an amount for sweet treats, Christmas street food, beverages, and trinkets. These will all cost more than you think, so make sure you budget appropriately.
Pick the right time
Most Christmas markets are open from late November to early January, but some are only open for December, so be sure to check the dates. Likewise, weekends are extremely crowded, so visiting on weekdays will give you and your family more breathing room.
Book your transport
As soon as you know where you want to visit, lock in your flights and plan how you’re going to get around. It’s a busy time of year, so demand is high. The earlier you book, generally, the cheaper your flights or transport will be. There are often last-minute deals to more obscure destinations in Europe like Tallinn and Nuremberg.
Pro tip: Traveling during the holiday period can be hectic, and airports and public transport tend to get overcrowded. To avoid the Christmas rush, we recommend booking a private transfer to and from the airport with a trusted company like Welcome Pickups. You can save yourself precious time shivering in the cold waiting for a local cab and hop straight into a heated vehicle reserved just for you.
Choose well-located accommodation
How close do you want to be to the Christmas market? Finding a hotel on the same street can be highly convenient but also noisy and expensive. Mostly due to the fact that the markets are usually concentrated within the city centers. A hotel further away may be cheaper and more peaceful if you’re a light sleeper, but you’ll need a taxi or public transport to get around.
Dress for cold weather
Though Christmas miracles do happen, most European cities are cold, wet, and/or snowy in the winter. So, it’s vital you dress warmly, as markets are predominantly outside. That means hand warmers, thermal socks, waterproof coats, gloves, scarves, and comfortable shoes for plenty of walking. Ensure that any cameras you bring can cope with the weather, too.
Plan your Christmas market days
The best Christmas market visit is well-planned. Why? Well, most markets sprawl across a large area with plenty to see and do. You don’t want to miss the things that are important to you and your family.
To make it simple, think about the following:
- The opening times of the Christmas market
- How long you want to spend at the market
- What the top stalls and activities are for you and your family
